Dutch media debates Robben penalty

30 June 2014 10:16

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Dutch newspapers on Monday praised the Oranje's "miracle" World Cup victory against Mexico, but opinions were divided whether striker Arjen Robben should have been awarded a controversial late match-winning penalty.

Seconds before a dramatic end to the game, Bayern Munich star Robben tumbled to the turf after making contact with Mexico defender Rafael Marquez.

Robben has admitted he dived when trying to win a penalty in the first half but insists the late spot kick converted by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was justified.

Some commentators said the kick was "deserved", others just that it was "desired".

"Robben already deserved a penalty kick earlier in the match, when he was first touched by Marquez and then brought down by Hector Moreno," populist broadsheet De Telegraaf stated.

"Finally in injury time Robben got his deserved penalty from (referee Pedro) Proenca and Huntelaar sent the Netherlands to the quarter finals," it said.

"Well deserved, because the Dutch kept footballing while Mexico was merely defending a 1-0 lead," it added.

Centre-left tabloid De Volkskrant who called the win a "miracle escape due to team and fighting spirit" was more guarded.

"Robben was a boxer looking for the knockout blow against a reeling opponent," the paper said.